After recent events, it has really got me thinking, call it a conspiracy theory but, here's me opinion.
The owner (who set up this site with the best on intentions) now sees himself with a good source of income. The more posts, the more advertisers, the more advertisers, the more revenue, the more revenue, the higher $$$$$ value of the site if it's to be sold. No doubt, this site would be worth a good few grand if sold tomorrow.
Do any of you frequent other website forums? Do you know any other forum as large as this one that has only one moderator that has any power? I certainly don't.
Do you know any other moderator that constantly stirs things up to create debate/arguments.....then tends to take a backseat??? No, me neither.
Do you know any other forum that welcomes (known) [banned from other sites] trouble-causers with open arms and then not only stands by and watches these trouble causers continue to spout sh1te, but the moderator actually joins in/encourages them to? Nope, me neither.
It's still a great source of info here, but the sh1te is growing in proportion to the good stuff daily. IMHO, it's now a money making venture first and foremost with some useful info if you look for it. George is there to stimulate debate/argument to increase posts..............and boy does he do a good job.
Three or four other posters on here (who have never contributed a recipe between them) continue with the insults/snide remarks and get away with it. Ask yourself why? because they have very high post numbers.....bringing in more revenue. They can always be relied upon to stir up crap without contributing anything worthwhile.
IMHO, either, the owner will sell and make some money out of it (good luck to him if he does). Maybe the new owners will sort this place out. Or, it will implode. Too much crap, and most people with any common sense will look elsewhere. If i wanted to talk sh1te with people, I'd go to a "talk sh1te" kind of forum. If i wanted to learn/share cooking experiences on a certain food culture, I'd look for a forum that concentrates on recipes/experiences.
Just my opinon

Bye folks.